Embroidery proving major draw at bustling Guizhou market

Merchants sell embroidered pieces at the Xiulitao market in Kaili city, Guizhou province. [Photo by Lei Zide/For chinadaily.com.cn]

A market selling ethnic embroidery in Kaili in China's Guizhou province is drawing big crowds as tourists and younger shoppers seek out the region's traditional crafts.

Xiulitao opened in 2023 after local officials reorganized and relocated an informal flea market. The market sits in Kaili, the capital of the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture, where communities have kept alive generations-old handcrafts such as embroidery, brocade weaving and batik.

Merchants sell embroidered pieces at the Xiulitao market in Kaili city, Guizhou province. [Photo by Lei Zide/For chinadaily.com.cn]

"Friday is market day and the busiest of the week," said Cai Zhongjie, general manager of the market's operator.

"Merchants from across the prefecture bring embroidered panels and fabrics to sell, and people come to browse through them."

Since it opened, Xiulitao has become a tourist draw, alongside the area's famous sour soup. Posts on social media platforms have amplified interest. Content about the market has attracted more than 10 million views on Douyin and lifestyle sharing app Xiaohongshu, with visitors sharing photos of their finds and shopping tips.

Merchants sell embroidered pieces at the Xiulitao market in Kaili city, Guizhou province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

One blogger described buying a small embroidered horse bag and wrote, "I felt like a mouse in a rice jar. I'll be back for sure."

Cai said modern tastes have helped fuel the market's appeal: "This jacket I'm wearing features Miao embroidery.

"We combined traditional embroidery with contemporary design and market demand, and that has drawn many young people."

Vendors say each piece carries its own history.

Merchants sell embroidered pieces at the Xiulitao market in Kaili city, Guizhou province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"Because these pieces are handmade at home, every old embroidered panel is unique," one seller said.

"Young buyers can sew them onto bags or clothing as a personal touch."

Local authorities say the number of vendors at the market has climbed from an initial 158 households to more than 700 on peak days. Between September 2023 and September this year, the market welcomed about 1,244,000 visitors and generated roughly 460 million yuan ($63.9 million) in total tourism revenue.

Embroidered pieces on display at the Xiulitao market in Kaili city, Guizhou province. [Photo by Liu Boqian/chinadaily.com.cn]